Portland, OR – James S. Fischell, 40, was arrested Thursday morning in connection with a series of graffiti vandalism incidents that have plagued the city. Fischell, known for his “GIMER” tags, was taken into custody at his Portland home by officers from the Central Precinct Neighborhood Response Team (NRT) after an extensive investigation that spanned several months.
The arrest follows a lengthy probe that began in May 2024, when officers first identified Fischell in a YouTube docuseries titled CHAOSTOWN. In the episode “Portland is losing the graffiti war,” Fischell attempted to hide his identity but was ultimately recognized by law enforcement. The series documented his activities and shed light on his graffiti tag, “GIMER,” which stands for “Graffiti Is Me Escaping Reality.”
Although Fischell tried to conceal his identity, investigators were able to piece together his involvement and pinpoint his residence in the Centennial Neighborhood. This led to the execution of a search warrant in June 2024, where authorities seized more than 1,500 cans of spray paint, valued at over $10,000. The raid, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the NRT and the Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT), uncovered a stash Fischell described in the docuseries as “every graffiti writer’s fantasy.”
Fischell, who was not home at the time of the search, is also accused of supplying graffiti materials to other vandals across Portland. His arrest comes after a comprehensive investigation involving the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office and various law enforcement teams.
Fischell was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on a warrant for multiple counts of Criminal Mischief in the First and Second Degree. The Portland Police Bureau has not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.
As the city grapples with ongoing graffiti issues, Fischell’s arrest sends a strong message to those involved in similar criminal activities. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious graffiti or related activity to help curb the spread of vandalism in the area.
